Sinus Augmentation in Roslyn, NY

Sinus augmentation, also called a sinus lift or sinus graft, is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw to create enough support for a dental implant. The procedure is most commonly performed in the area of the upper premolar and molar teeth, where the maxillary sinus can limit the amount of bone available for implant placement.

When an upper back tooth is lost, the jawbone can gradually shrink. At the same time, the maxillary sinus may extend downward into the area where the tooth roots once provided support. As a result, there may not be enough healthy bone between the mouth and sinus to safely place a dental implant.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Needed for Dental Implants?

Dental implants need adequate bone volume to provide stability and support. Bone loss following tooth extraction or long-term tooth loss can leave too little bone in the upper back portion of the jaw for implant placement.

A sinus lift creates additional space for bone graft material beneath the sinus membrane. As the area heals, new bone develops within the grafted region, increasing the available bone for a dental implant.

By rebuilding the bone in the upper jaw, sinus augmentation can make implant treatment possible for patients who may otherwise not have enough bone to support an implant.

How Does Sinus Augmentation Work?

During a sinus augmentation, the sinus floor is carefully elevated to create room for bone graft material. The graft material acts as a framework for new bone formation as the area heals.

Over time, your body incorporates the graft material and develops new bone in the treatment area. The goal is to create sufficient bone volume and density to provide a stable foundation for dental implant placement.

The specific technique and amount of grafting needed depend on the amount of existing bone, the location of the missing tooth or teeth, and your individual implant treatment plan.

Types of Sinus Lift Procedures

There are several approaches to sinus augmentation. The technique selected depends largely on how much bone is already present beneath the sinus and how much additional bone is needed.

Internal Sinus Lift

An internal, or crestal, sinus lift may be appropriate when only a modest amount of additional bone is needed. The sinus floor is gently elevated through the area where the implant will be placed, and bone graft material can be added beneath the elevated sinus membrane.

This approach may allow the sinus augmentation and dental implant placement to be completed during the same procedure when there is enough existing bone to provide initial implant stability.

Lateral Window Sinus Lift

A lateral window sinus lift is typically used when a greater amount of bone needs to be added. A small access point is created in the side of the upper jaw, allowing the sinus membrane to be carefully lifted and the graft material to be placed underneath it.

Depending on the amount of available bone and your treatment plan, the dental implant may be placed during the same procedure or after the grafted area has healed.

What to Expect During a Sinus Lift

Before sinus augmentation, Dr. Gardner will evaluate your oral health and available jawbone. Dental imaging may be used to assess the position of the sinus, determine the amount of bone available, and plan the procedure.

During the procedure, the sinus membrane is carefully elevated and bone graft material is placed in the space created beneath it. The treatment area is then allowed to heal so new bone can develop.

Sinus augmentation is generally performed using local anesthesia, although additional sedation options may be available depending on your needs and treatment plan.

Healing After Sinus Augmentation

Healing time varies from patient to patient and depends on the amount of bone grafting required and whether the implant is placed at the same time as the sinus lift. When a separate healing period is necessary, several months may be recommended before implant placement.

During the healing period, the grafted area gradually develops new bone. Dr. Gardner will monitor your healing and determine when the area is ready for the next stage of implant treatment.

Is a Sinus Lift Right for Me?

You may be a candidate for sinus augmentation if you are missing an upper back tooth and have been told that there is not enough bone to support a dental implant. A sinus lift may also be considered when bone loss has occurred following tooth extraction or long-term tooth loss.

A comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine whether sinus augmentation is appropriate. Your dental imaging and overall oral health will help determine how much bone is available and which approach may provide the best foundation for implant placement.

Benefits of Sinus Augmentation

For appropriately selected patients, sinus augmentation can:

• Increase the amount of bone available in the upper jaw
• Create a stronger foundation for dental implants
• Address bone loss following tooth extraction or tooth loss
• Make dental implant treatment possible when the sinus limits available bone
• Support the long-term stability of an implant-supported restoration
• Help restore chewing function after the loss of upper back teeth

Sinus Augmentation in Roslyn, NY

If you have been told that you do not have enough bone for a dental implant in the upper jaw, a sinus lift may provide a solution. Sinus augmentation can rebuild lost bone beneath the maxillary sinus and create the support needed for implant treatment.

Dr. Gardner provides sinus augmentation and implant-focused care for patients in Roslyn and throughout the surrounding Long Island area. A consultation can help determine whether a sinus lift, bone graft, or another treatment option is appropriate for your needs.

Call North Shore Restorative & Implant Dentistry Office Phone Number (516) 484-6394 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gardner.

Animation of Sinus Communication